Harvesting The Backyard Buck

It was a cloudy, chilly November morning in 2018. I was up getting ready to take my oldest to school when I see a buck out back. My heart began to race when I realized it was the one that’s eluded me twice before. He was chasing some does from the opposite side of the field. I knew this time I had a better chance at him while he remained distracted out there. Since I didn’t want to scare my baby, I closed the door then rushed to the back door.

One Shot, Two Shot

I grabbed the rifle and eases the sliding door open. He was roughly 200 yard away and still after them does so I got situated for a shot. After missing twice, I realized the shooting stick on a linoleum floor don’t work. Especially when your already shaking. I then chose to prop up against the door frame. On that shot he bucked and ran off like I hit him. I tried to watch the direction he went but I lost him behind the trees. I was overcome by many emotions.

Unfortunantly the shot wasn’t caught on video so I couldn’t review how good it was. All I could do was wonder and hope that it was good while I took my son to school. After coming back home I fed the baby then got us ready to go look for blood.

Walking out there with my baby was interesting. Spotting a few does was incredible. They didn’t stay out long but thankfully they weren’t spooked. At least the baby was content for just looking around. After looking for awhile with no sign of blood, he began to get a little restless. I took that as a good sign to head back. The suspense of not knowing was driving me crazy.

Helpful Neighbor

Some time later our great neighbor showed up to search for my buck for me. I pointed in the direction that he went then he headed off. Moments later I heard a shot go off. My nerves were on edge wondering what happened. Evidently he did find him but had to finish putting him down. When he told me how big he was, I was beyond excited then broke down.

The moment I got my hands on that beautiful 9 point, I was overjoyed and so very thankful. Thankful for the harvest God blessed me with and for my neighbor who came by to recover him for me. He sure didn’t have to but he did. It was an interesting way that I harvested this mature stud. Not the ideal way, but the only way that I could. Just making the best out of my situation.